nhchris

Tip: Screw a large wood screw into the center of the arrow. It makes removing and replacing the piece much easier.

Did 170 miles in great and warm wx in search of crumb cake and coffee. Which I was able to locate about half way through.

Just curious... What is the ground clearance with that plate installed and you on the bike?

Thanks guy, very helpful info.

Do you pull hoses and drain coolant when you use this method?

That's it. I want you to negotiate my next bike purchase. Is there a Suzuki GSX S1000 GT somewhere in Phoenix?

I have a smaller Givi tank bag and love it. It was on the 2016 FJ when I bought the bike and after 4 years and 20k miles it has proven durable and very secure in its mounting ring. Easy to pop on and off the bike and water proof with its little rain cap installed. Only wish it had a pre-cut media port for phone charging cable, etc.

Two reasons to use em: They help prevent overtightening of the drain plug cause you can feel the washer compress as you tighten it down in the aluminum oil pan. In an area where there is lots of thermal expansion and contraction they maintain a good seal cycle after heating cycle. Like all things FJ, there are good reasons the engineers specified their use. Since I’m running the low profile Mazda drain bolt I’m gonna see what the Mazda dealer charges for these little bits.

Anybody have an alternative source for the compression O ring on the FJ oil drain bolt? They must be available cheaper than the $5-7 I’ve been paying for them at the dealer! I am using the low-profile Mazda drain bolt. (Maybe Mazda?)

Ouch, that's terrible @betoney. I wish you the best and fastest recovery.... physical and mechanical (Tracer 9GT????). Your scenario got me thinking about how lucky I've been. And a little research led me to this video discussing car blind spots and the hazard they pose to motorcyclists. A lot of time we wonder how a car driver could have done what they just did. The video explains a bit of that and was a good refresher for me. Maybe it can help some others too. Knowing you from the posts you make, I'd say it won't be long before you are astride a bike again!

Hello! We've got guys on this form with OCD so bad it will make yours look like child's play. Why, some of us have our engine oil analyzed and sprockets measured for wear. You'll fit right in my friend.

I hope this feature doesn’t interfere with the remote starter I’ve installed for this winter morning riding!

I switch to “Mo” gas this time of the year. Ethanol free. Buy it at local airport. I will still see a mileage reduction due to colder temps with bike temp running around 160 degrees.

What did the dyno reveal about hp and torque?

Nice badging on the swing arm. Wish I could get that. Enjoy the ride. My 2016 FJ 09 is a royal hoot!

I find it helpful to remind myself that I ride for fun and enjoyment. When it transitions to an ordeal I’ve lost the point of the whole thing. In midlife I was a avid hiker and climber and my body never let me down no matter how hard I pushed it. Now in my 70s I can’t get away with that any longer. What once was a day hike is now a overnighter. I read rescue stories regularly about guys sixty and up who bonk out or keel over on the trail and need to be hauled out by SARS folks. Im glad I can still hike and ride as well as I do, But I also respect where I am on the life continuum. If some young buck gives me sh#t about something I usually say: “Call me when you’re 74 and tell me all about it punk!” A man has got to know his limitations.

Nice ride! As Clint Eastwood said so long ago: “A man has got to know his limitations.” And 500 km is a good one to know. For me, the mental laps that begin occurring after 250 miles are disturbing and potentially lethal. Pilots call it “get homeitis” and it’s real as you age.

I’ve also stayed at the Fontana Lodge. Fancier and more expensive than the Resort, but nice pool, beautiful setting and good food. Plus they offer a discount to “Dragon Slayers!”

I would call it a rattle like a bag of bolts or metal being shaken in a bag. My FJ 09 does it all the time.

Have a great adventure my friend.

I’ve stayed at Deals Gap “Resort.” It was basic and going rate now is $70 per night. Nice scene w lots of crazy Dragon pilots and a bike wash and maintenance area and tall-tale fire pit. Fun. Most rooms have a view of the Tree of Shame.

Here in NH most Advanced Auto Parts stores will lend tools if needed. And good luck on you big tour. The Keys are great. Just take the Saw Grass around Miami!

No one has mentioned mirror extenders. I find them really helpful in getting the mirrors useful. And cheap too!!

How many teeth on rear sprocket? Maybe that is not stock? Swing arm stock? All I can tell you is with 110 links my 17 fit my 2016 FJ no problem. Your chain seems suspect to me. Gotta have a master link someplace! Wish I could help more... Solution might be to order new (110 link) DID chain along w sprockets.

That' strange. On my 2016 I swapped a 17-tooth in with no problems using the stock 110-link chain. I did need to remove the rear tire to get the sprocket installed, but once the chain was seated on both sprockets there was plenty of adjustment on the swing arm. I like the RPM reduction the larger sprocket provides. Now pulling 5K RPM at 80 MPH.